Delta is celebrating its 100 year anniversary by looking forward to the next 100 years, which includes new technology-led innovations and strategic partnerships designed to enhance the customer experience.
“Technology is a powerful tool, but it’s people that make true innovation possible,” said Ed Bastian, CEO of Delta, at a keynote at CES in The Sphere. “We’re on the brink of a new era, and I can’t think of a better way to demonstrate how the Delta team will leverage cutting-edge advancements to propel our next century of flight.”
The keynote kicked off with a monologue by awarding winning actress Viola Davis. “100 years in the making made possible by you the believers, the backers, the champions who gave Delta the wings to fly even higher we’ve been connecting the world for a century now beating the odds breaking barriers,” said Davis. “When they say slow down we say catch up and when they say it’s impossible we say sit back relax and enjoy the flight we’ll never stop reaching for the skies.”
The presentation brought to life the potential for new innovations through a fully immersive 4D flight journey at The Sphere. Bastion used the stage to introduce Delta Concierge, a new customer experience tool that uses Gen AI and voice processing to listen, understand and respond intelligently to customers’ unique needs in real time. Services include checking in without needing to log into an app or email account, as well as ordering a Joby, an all-electric, vertical take-off and landing aircraft, that lets customers skip the traffic and order a ride in this aircraft.
Another one of Delta’s new innovations introduced on the journey includes an upgraded in-flight entertainment experience. The airline is teaming with Thales Avionics to create a next-generation Delta Sync seatback experience. The tool allows fliers to log into their SkyMiles account to create personalized experiences from check in to bag collection. The upgrade also includes 4K displays and bluetooth sync capabilities. Future enhancements will include guided wellness and expanded options for customizing the food and beverage experience.
Delta also highlighted strategic partnerships that are designed with the end consumer in mind. The company has teamed with YouTube to offer ad-free access to the app in Delta flights. Tom Brady, who appeared on stage, will host a wellness show. A partnership with Uber will soon result in getting SkyMiles for Uber rides. The airline is also working with Airbus on new innovations in sustainable plane design.
The evening ended with a performance by Lenny Kravitz, who closed the night with his song “Fly Away.”
